Portugal
Portugal operates a predominantly publicly funded healthcare system offering universal access to core medical services. Private healthcare remains available for faster access, additional comfort, and broader specialist choice.
This Portugal overview provides a snapshot of the country’s demographic, socioeconomic, and healthcare landscape. For globally mobile individuals and families, such indicators help compare countries before relocating.
Beveridge (public-dominant, tax-funded)
Universal coverage
Moderate
Moderate
10’694’680
46.6
68.8 / 100
69th
6.02 per 1’000
USD 2’971.04
82
USD 8'993.39
How the Healthcare
System Works
Portugal’s healthcare system is primarily funded through taxation and provides universal access to core public healthcare through the SNS (Serviço Nacional de Saúde). Primary care is organised around a family doctor referral pathway. However, a shortage of GPs can regularly lead to waiting times for specialist consultations and elective procedures.
In the well-developed private sector, patients can book private consultations with specialists without going through an SNS GP referral, making it more attractive for faster access to care.
To avoid having to find a GP and going through a referral pathway, expatriates and international residents commonly use private healthcare and international medical insurance for broader provider access, shorter waiting times, and access to premium facilities.
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Private Medical Insurance
in Portugal
Private medical insurance in Portugal is commonly used to supplement public healthcare access and provide direct specialist access, entry to private hospitals, and enhanced healthcare services. Private medical insurance should not be confused with the local “planos de saúde”. These are low-cost subscriptions that provide discounts within a limited medical network. However, this is not insurance where the financial risk is transferred to an insurer.
Given the well-developed private healthcare market, private medical insurance offers a more convenient parallel route to care. For immigrants with global interests, it is especially important to secure international cover that can be continued upon relocation out of the country.
Moving Abroad? Find the best health insurance.
Expected Premium Levels
Premiums reflect the scope of protection and the level of service. The most significant factors impacting the premium are the country of residence, age, area of cover, benefit level and scope of cover, deductibles, and sometimes restrictions on medical provider access. International private medical insurance plans can be tailored to individual needs and preferences to balance comprehensive global access with budget availability.
For very comprehensive international private medical insurance, with little to no out-of-pocket costs, the following are the premium levels to be expected for someone who is resident in Portugal.
| Persona | Profile | Average annual premium (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Persona 1 | 35-year-old male | 8'482.60 |
| Persona 2 | 50-year-old female | 11'797.76 |
| Persona 3 | 24-year-old female | 6'699.80 |
Contact Us
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